Exploring New Flavors: A Personal Guide to Main Dishes at Restaurants

When it comes to choosing a main dish at a restaurant, I tend to stick to a limited set of options that I know well. Common choices might range from a cheeseburger with fries to a chicken sandwich on sourdough, or perhaps a hearty burrito or a classic philly steak. But there's one thing I always strive to do: discover the new and the unfamiliar.

Unlocking the Unknown: New and Unique Meals

One of my primary motivations for dining out is to try something that I haven't had before. Whether it's a new dish at a restaurant or a novel combination at a place I've been to multiple times, I see it as an adventure. Even if the result is meh, it's a worthwhile endeavor. I remember the first time I tried a chorizo burrito. I was intrigued by the spicy, smoky flavors and adventurous ingredients. It wasn't love at first bite, but it was a memorable experience.

In contrast, there are some dishes I revert to because I know I'll love them. For instance, at my favorite place, Poke Station, I stick to the same order: a white rice bowl with spicy tuna salmon, edamame, krab masago, avocado, sweet shoyu, wasabi aioli, and garlic crunch. However, the menu often changes, and I eagerly try new additions like tropical fruits or unique tropical fish.

To me, these new dishes are like a form of intellectual challenge. I refer to it as the 'food IQ test.' Taking the first bite of something new is like solving a puzzle. I wonder if there will be too much heat, an unexpected flavor, or just a subtly different taste. It keeps me guessing and engaged.

Specialized Delights and Signature Bites

Another rule I follow is to order the signature dish when visiting a new restaurant. This often means the dish the restaurant specializes in. When I go to Beef Bowl, I know I'll be getting a beef bowl. When I'm at Burger King, I'll indulge in a juicy burger. It's easy to figure out these main courses; sometimes, the restaurant even highlights them with a picture on the menu. Other times, you might have to explore and find the star dish.

Often, I look for the restaurant’s signature burger. If the place only offers generic combinations, I might opt for steak. The diversity of ingredients available in burgers is endless. I've seen burgers with truffle oil, banana peppers, pickled jalape?os, and even edible gold flakes. The variety is incredible.

However, my love for steaks at home is unmatched. The texture, the seasoning, and the cooking method can all vary greatly at different restaurants, leaving me disappointed. Home-cooked steaks are a different world. They're cooked to perfection, and the choices are endless. At restaurants, the options are limited, and the sides, sauces, and toppings are standard fare. It's a bit of a letdown.

Burgers: The Ultimate Culinary Adventure

Burgers, on the other hand, offer a different kind of adventure. They often have unusual flavors, innovative bread types, unconventional meats, and exotic fillings. You can have a signature chicken batter, a rare meat like venison, or even a pretentious salad as a toppling option. The possibilities are endless, and it's practically a gourmet experience.

While I often find these restaurant burgers fascinating, I still rely on my trusty steak when I crave something familiar. My wife is a keen home cook, and she has a delicate sense of balance with her meals. Hamburger nights at home usually end with regrets as she doesn't often share my enthusiasm for them. I find it much more satisfying to cook steak at home, where I can control every aspect of the cooking process, from seasonings to cooking temperature.

So, the next time you're at a restaurant, order something you've never tried before. It might not be the highlight of your meal, but it will definitely be an adventure. After all, that's what dining out is all about.